This blend of fantasy and social science fiction explores a rich, exotic culture in a manner reminiscent of Ursula K. Le Guin's THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS. While it is a standalone work, it shares elements both from the author's previous fantasy novel KIRITH KIRIN and SF short stories published in Asimov's Science Fiction magazine. The scientists of the technologically advanced Hormling society do not understand how the Twil Gate connects their overpopulated world of Senal to the country of Irion. That doesn't stop the Hormlings from attempting to acquire Irion's vast lands for its people. Given that Irion's seemingly primitive inhabitants actually believe in magic, the Hormlings expect little effective resistance. But when a planned invasion of Irion goes tragically awry, one Hormling, the linguist Jedda Martele, will discover the truth about magic and the Gate, as well as discovering some truths about herself and the person she is destined to love.
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